TRANSFER: Packers Sign High Rated Defensive Lineman
The Green Bay Packers enter the 2024 season with high expectations following a strong finish to their 2023 campaign. After a shaky 3-6 start, the Packers turned things around by winning six of their last eight regular season games. They carried that momentum into the playoffs, upsetting the Dallas Cowboys in the wild-card round. The Packers held a late lead over the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round but ultimately fell short. This strong finish has fueled optimism for the upcoming season.
While the Green Bay Packers’ offense appears stacked with talent, there are some minor concerns on the defensive side of the ball. In an effort to bolster their defense, the team announced on Thursday via their official Twitter account that they have signed defensive lineman Keonte Schad.
Keonte Schad began his college football journey at Ellsworth Community College before transferring to the University of Minnesota and later Oregon State University. At Oregon State, he earned All-Pac-12 honorable mention recognition.
Packers sign DL Keonte Schad.
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) August 22, 2024
Despite going undrafted in 2022, Schad found success in alternative football leagues. He joined the New Orleans Breakers in the now-defunct United States Football League (USFL) in 2023, where he made a significant impact by finishing second in the league with 7.5 sacks. In 2024, Schad played for the Houston Roughnecks in the United Football League (UFL), recording 19 tackles, one tackle for loss, and 0.5 sacks.
The Green Bay Packers struggled with run defense last year, ranking 28th in rushing yards allowed. In their playoff loss to the 49ers, they had difficulty containing Christian McCaffrey, who exploded in the second half for 98 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
As the Packers look to build on their offensive strengths with quarterback Jordan Love and a promising group of young wide receivers, they will also need their defense to improve if they hope to meet the high expectations for the upcoming season. The addition of Schad could be a step toward bolstering their defensive front.